Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 15, 2026

A Community-based Stress Management Program: Using Wearable Devices to Assess Whole Body Physiological Responses in Non-laboratory Settings
Published on: January 22, 2018
Comparative Study of Deep Relaxation Technique and Aum Kara on Autonomic Nervous System Variables in Hypertensive
Asha K Chacko1, Abitone Valsakumar2, Sejil Verghese3
1Postgraduate Scholar, Department of Yoga and Physical Therapeutics, SDM College of Naturopathy and Yogic Sciences, Ujire, Karnataka, India.
Background:
Hypertension is a chronic condition that progressively worsens. Lifestyle modifications and antihypertensive medications are among the strategies recommended to manage it. Nonpharmacological interventions like deep relaxation, Aum Kara chanting, and tuning have been found to help lower blood pressure, enhance cardiovascular function, reduce stress, and promote mental tranquility. This study examines the effects of Aum Kara and the deep relaxation technique (DRT) on autonomic variability in individuals with primary hypertension.
Methods:
From a pool of 200 individuals screened for hypertension at SDM Hospital in Dharmasthala, 60 participants aged 25-50 were selected according to the study's inclusion and exclusion criteria. The enrolled participants were assigned to one of two groups: group 1 (DRT) or group 2 (Aum Kara) based on randomization tables. Each group underwent a 20-minute session, after which their data were evaluated.
Results:
Systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), and heart rate (HR) decreased immediately after the interventions in both groups. The Aum Kara group demonstrated a decrease in heart rate and the LF/HF ratio compared to the DRT group (p < 0.05). Specifically, in the Aum Kara group, LF decreased and HF increased, showing statistical significance in comparison to the DRT group. A significant difference was noted in all HRV components between the groups upon comparison.
Conclusion:
In the comparison of the two therapies' effects, Aum Kara chanting demonstrated a more significant immediate beneficial impact on the sympathovagal system balance compared to DRT.
Related Concept Videos
Neural Regulation of Blood Pressure
Baroreceptor Reflex
Baroreceptors, located in the carotid sinuses and aortic arch, detect changes in blood pressure. When blood pressure rises, these stretch-sensitive receptors...
Peripherally and Centrally Acting Muscle Relaxants: A Comparison
Centrally acting muscle relaxants can be further divided into spasmolytic and antispasmodic drugs. Spasmolytic...
Assessment of blood pressure in brachial artery(two-step method)
Assessment of blood pressure in brachial artery(one-step method)
Prepare for the Procedure:
Disorders of the Autonomic Nervous System
Raynaud's disease, also known as Raynaud's...
Hypertension and Regulation of Blood Pressure

